U.S. Embassy in Kyiv condemned the attack on Chornovol in the statement it released on Dec. 25. The embassy called for an investigation, "which unlike previous such incidents must result in those responsible being held fully accountable under the law."

Statement by the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine

The EU Delegation to Ukraine is closely following with concern the increasing pressure on civil society activists, political leaders and journalists who are taking part in peaceful protests in Kyiv and around the country, in support of the association of Ukraine with the EU and for the respect of fundamental freedoms. Intimidations, physical violence and dubious charges are being reported from different cities. The brutal attack the past night on journalist and activist Tetyana Chornovol is unfortunately only the latest one of a number of recent worrying cases.

The freedom of expression is among the internationally enshrined fundamental human rights which Ukraine signed up to respect and protect and which remain among the core values of every free and democratic society.

It is the duty and responsibility of the authorities to protect people’s right to demonstrate peacefully, the freedom of expression of journalists and other civil society activists: such rights needs to be protected everywhere and for everybody.

We note the prompt call by President Yanukovych for an investigation on the case of Tetyana Chornovol. We hope for a comprehensive investigation of that case and of all other cases of intimidation and violence based on all available and trustworthy evidences and witnesses. A proper and independent investigation would bring to justice all those responsible and address the problem of perceived impunity in the country for such serious violations of fundamental freedoms. Inaction of authorities or lack of result of the investigation risk to undermine public trust in ability of state to protect its citizens.

The contests have recently included former eastern bloc and Muslim counties. Liechtenstein and Vatican City are the only European countries not to have participated.

This announcement hasn't gone unnoticed in Russia. According to Pravda.ru the Communications commission has received a petition asking that the 2014 contest be banned from Russia specifically because a transgender woman is among the finalists.

Is Santa Claus a transgender man? Well I can't speak for Santa Claus but I did find this card stuck in my six foot high tree amongst the blinking lights and ornaments next to the fireplace.OK. So I don't have any of those things. No tree or fireplace. No 'blood' family. And no, I don't celebrate this holiday in 'traditional ways' and yes I made that invite, but who's to say? It's always a possibility that Santa is Transgender.